They looked at SAT results and math scores of over 7 million US students who were tested according to the No Child Left Behind Act. And the results are clear – girls measured up to boys when it comes to solving mathematical problems.

The researchers are sending out the message to teachers and parents alike that this type of stereotyping can be influential in a girl’s math self-concept. They move on to mention that girls actually take just as many advanced math courses in high school as boys. In addition, 48% of all bachelor’s degrees in mathematics are earned by women.

So why the lack of high level female mathematicians and physicists in universities? Maybe it’s about time they check their employment policies…